Aloha My Sweets

Aloha!  My co-worker Madeleine and I headed over to the Century City Farmer’s Market this afternoon to pick up some fruit and grab a bite to eat.  We had been wanted to try the Hawaiian Chicken stand (www.hawaiianchicken.com) but every time we’ve been there, the long has been incredibly long.  Since we were there real early today, there wasn’t a line, so we decided to try it.  Like any good food stand (or food truck), they concentrate on doing one thing, and doing it well.  Your options are:  chicken, chicken, or ….. wait for it ….. chicken! 

They BBQ the chicken on site, which has been marinated. 

They have different combos available, but I opted for the mini-bowl (chicken over rice) which was just the perfect size.  And it was only $7 – plus the mini serving was actually quite generous. I don’t know what they marinate the chicken in it, but whatever they use gives the chicken a sweet taste and helps carmelize the outside.  They also strip it of most of the skin, so it makes it a healthier option.  I speculate that they use pineapple in the marinade (which makes sense seeing as it is billed as “Hawaiian”).   They also give you a hot sauce which you can use to dip the chicken in, or pour over it.  I first tried it without the sauce for a pure experience, then tried the other half with it – and both ways it was great!  They seem to travel to many of the local farmer’s markets, and they always have a line, which I believe is a testament to their ability to produce a good product.

We also had stopped by a new booth at the market.  I was struck by the sign they had up saying “alcoholic cupcakes”.  I was intrigued.  We stopped and I talked to Tiffany of Wasted Cupcakes (www.wastedcupcakes.com) who was operating the booth.  All of their cupcakes, with a couple of exceptions, contact alcohol.  When I introduced myself and gave her my card, she got excited and offered me two mini cupcakes gratis.  When offered freebies, it’s always with the codicil that I will still give my honest opinion if I post about it. 

I can report that I really enjoyed the cupcakes.  Cup cake?  Liquor??  What better combo could you ask for?!  They two I tried were the Pina Colada and Cocoa Martini.  In the Pina Colada you could taste the rum, but it didn’t overpower.  And the coconut was a welcome flavor.  In the Cocoa, it was very chocolaty and moist, and the vodka was definitely in the background.  While I don’t think you’ll get drunk on eating a couple of cupcakes, you definitely know you’ve just consumed some high octane refreshments. 

Unfortunately, they do not have a storefront, but they do sell their cupcakes at The Abbey in West Hollywood.  When I asked what other farmer’s markets they attend, she said they are going to be starting at the Melrose one on Sundays, plus they are coming to Century City.  I’d make a trip to The Abbey to try more for sure.  I’m interested in next trying their Lemon Drop (I’m a lemon fiend!).